Not sure I’d minimize it as much as you did. Plug fouling is almost non-existent today but was pretty prevalent with the older technology of carbs and points ignition systems.
Don’t agree with this either. There are a number of advantages over conventional construction. The work function of Iridium is lower and the plug construction leads to better flame propagation and cleaner operation. I typed this all out once here and not about to do it again. Here’s a brief summary at a fundamental level- Global Networks｜NGKスパークプラグ/NTKテクニカルセラミックス製品サイト
I meant initial performance. For 99.999999% of us we won’t see any difference in initial performance. But I do know people who have bought Platinum or Iridium plugs thinking they are going to get better performance - and they aren’t. If they performed better then every NASCAR driver (or any auto racer) would be using them…and they aren’t.
A properly running Carb did little to foul plugs. Points and condenser did however foul plugs sooner. A lot had to do with the plug Gap size for a Points Condenser system. Electronic Ignition systems allow you to widen the Gap significantly.
I know many race teams are using Silver Coated tip plugs…but never heard of any using Iridium or Platinum plugs.
Because the vendor online selling stuff for 1/2 price is guaranteed to be selling real, Oem stuff? Like my $20 Rolex I got from the sidewalk vendor in ny.
Yes Mike, I remember changing spark plugs on my 1966 Malibu and 1971 Mercury Comet. In 1975 we had the first 25,000 mile spark plugs and it has improved ever since.
Nobody has mentioned the role leaded gas played in fouling plugs and shortening their life.
From 1975 to 1985 the EPA mandated a gradual reduction in lead concentration to about 1/20 the late '60s level before eliminating it from road vehicle pumps in 1988.
I have no idea why you would use anything but name brand plugs specially when you can buy like Champion Iridiums online for less than $5 a plug at Rock auto .
There is not one factor alone that will account for today’s plug longevity. It is a combination of several things. The top items would be…Material metallurgy, Fuel Mixture, Computer controlled ignition, Fuel type…and don’t forget tighter engine tolerances.
Back in the late '60s, a very gullible friend showed me the new “Omega” watch that he had just bought in the parking lot of Pep Boys. I moved the hands slightly to reveal that the brand was actually Cimega.
His genuine Cimega worked for just a few weeks before it self-destructed, but at least he only paid $10 for it.
My wife and I both bought fake Rolexes at the night market in Bangkok. Thailand. The cost $20 US each after some haggling. US sailors on R&R routinely pay $85 US for the same thing
Both watches lasted well over 3 years and only required a new battery.
When these watches quit (for good), naive buyers go to the local Rolex dealer for a possible fix. They quickly are told the difference.
I’m sure a Rolex, Omega, and other pricey knockoffs all have the poor quality insides made in China.
I would not bash China goods that much… although I agree they have quite a share of low-quality stuff originating there
I wear health tracker which is “100% certified China brand” and it gives me 30+ days on a charge (promised “up to 45 days”) while doing not only steps, but pulse, barometric, GPS, and the quality of the build is top-notch for $55 I paid… yes, it is not $10
